JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
Swatch Group Sees Sales, Profits Sink
The maker of watches including Tissot and Omega reported an 11 percent drop in sales and a 52 percent decline in net income in the first half of the year.
Bienne, Switzerland--Swatch Group reported net sales of $3.76 billion in the first half of the year, which is a decrease of 11 percent, or 13 percent at constant exchange rates.
In the Watches and Jewelry segment, net sales declined 11 percent at constant exchange rates.
Net income was $267 million, which was 52 percent below last year.
Last week, Chief Executive Officer Nick Hayek said that the company’s sales might fall as much as 6 percent this year, a turnaround from the prediction of sales growth at the beginning of the year.
While the company has struggled thus far in 2016, Swatch Group said Thursday that it has seen double-digit growth in retail sales in mainland China and Southeast Asia. Additionally, the first three weeks of July have shown marked improvement in mainland China from last year’s figures.
In Hong Kong, wholesale is faring badly, while poor retail sales have “bottomed out.”
Looking toward the second half of 2016, Swatch Group said it expects better results that will even out with 2015 due to last year’s weak second half.
The group anticipates growth in Europe, particularly Spain and Italy as tourism in those countries increases.
Swatch Group also expects to get a boost from sporting events, including the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Brazil, at which Omega serves as official timekeeper. Omega is releasing nine watches specifically for the Games.
Tissot is the official timekeeper for the Tour de France, in honor of which it has also launched a new model, and has a new NBA collection as well.
The Latest

From Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.

The lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


David Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.

The family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

The nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.

This year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.

The jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.

In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.

The bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.

The nonprofit focused on mining communities in East Africa has added three new members to its advisory council.

Current Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.

Communicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.

The “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.

Tanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.

Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.

Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.

The retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.

Sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”

Plus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.

Peter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.

The necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

A private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.